Once Again, Krinkie Wins One for the Taxpayer

Representative Krinkie once again exhibited tremendous leadership and his ability to get things done for our conservative values when the Minnesota House passed a bill Tuesday that would send rebate checks to every homeowner in the state by October.

The state average property tax increase in 2006 was 10.5%. This bill which Representative Krinkie sponsored is a 9% rebate of the 2006 property tax, and will give back $276 million dollars that has accumulated in the state's tax relief account.

Krinkie called the rebate the simplest and most direct way to reduce property taxes statewide. "Send the money to individual taxpayers, not to local governments," said House Tax Committee Chairman Phil Krinkie.

Krinkie Continues to Gain Momentum with More Prominent Endorsements

Today conservative St. Paul Pioneer Press columnist Craig Westover offered his strong endorsement of Representative Krinkie's candidacy in the 6th Congressional District Race. This endorsement follows Monday's glowing endorsement of Phil Krinkie by Senate District 51 Chair, Andy Aplikowski.

Westover offers, "What more could the 6th District want in a Congressman? Phil Krinkie's fiscal integrity makes him the best person for Congress for the times."

"The race is all about choosing the type of congressman or woman best for the times we live in. For my money as a 6th District resident, that person is Phil Krinkie," writes Westover.

"Krinkie's ideological integrity is his strength, and it's a weakness only if one believes that turning down a request for government spending is merely a preliminary decision. Krinkie does not compromise lightly, and he sticks to his principles."

Westover continued saying last year's health impact fee:

". . .was a contradiction of the governor's position of no new taxes, a contradiction of the Republican position on spending and a point of policy on which Krinkie's integrity would not bend."

Phil Krinkie has always kept his promise of no new taxes and he will continue to be the champion of the taxpayer as the next Congressman from the 6th Congressional District.

On a similar note, Mitch Berg from 'Shot in the Dark' echoed the recent wave of endorsements when he wrote, "If I lived in the Sixth and were going to the convention, I'd give the nod to Krinkie. It'd be a tough call, but in the end it is out-of-control spending that poses a clear, present danger to this nation's well-being."

Krinkie Announces Proposal for a Billion Dollar Tax Cut Plan

State Rep. Phil Krinkie (R-Lino Lakes) today released details of the House omnibus tax bill which provides for more than $1 billion in tax reductions over three years.

The bill provides more than $400 million in income tax reductions and will also eliminate the marriage penalty in the state income tax code. In addition, the bill would eliminate income taxes on military pensions and increase the homestead exemption for farmers.

Also included are:

-An increase in K-12 education tax credit

-A $100 million reduction in school property taxes

-A $118 million increase in state aid to local governments to help cities restrain property tax increases.

-$75 million for a new tax credit on health insurance premiums
"We have a plan for real tax reform," said Krinkie, chair of the House Tax Committee.
The full press release can be seen here:
Krinkie Announces $1 Billion Tax Cut Plan

Thank You

The Krinkie Campaign would like to thank all of its supporters and volunteers as we enter the convention this weekend. It has been an incredible week for the Krinkie Campaign with all of the prominent endorsements, Phil's leadership on tax cuts, and the clear momentum heading into the endorsing convention.

See you Friday.

Health Care and HMO's

Dear Friend:

During the past four years, health care premiums have increased by 60 percent. During this time, approximately 15% of small businesses have cut back on health insurance for their employees. Two weeks ago, a report was issued which stated that, excluding Medicare and Medicaid recipients, over 40% of America’s population did not have health coverage at one time or another during the past year.

And what is Governor Pawlenty’s response to this issue? His centerpiece issue during last year’s legislative session was casinos. The centerpiece issue of the current legislative session is sports stadiums. The Governor has turned a blind eye to the health care issue, just as he has to education, transportation, the environment, and jobs.

Last week, I issued the results of a twelve month study of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota (BCBSM). This study determined that the insurer had a net worth six times higher than required by statute--the highest ratio in the country. This study noted that BCBSM spent hundreds of millions in exotic expenditures unrelated to policy holder’s health care (the statutory mission of the company), including the establishment of a Utah bank, the construction of a North Dakota hospital (it does not issue policies in either Utah or North Dakota), almost $100 million to a “disease management firm,” and contributions to the Children’s Theater and the Olympics. We also found more than $200 million per year spent on consulting contracts, many of which could not be verified. During this time, the Governor’s insurance regulator turned a blind eye to these activities and approved almost every rate increase sought by BCBSM.

Two weeks ago, it was reported that the board of directors of UnitedHealth Group (UHG), another HMO, gave themselves hundreds of millions of dollars in stock options and gave billions of dollars in stock options to UHG executives. When pension funds like CALPERS (and myself) urged a “No” vote on the reelection of the UHG Board, the Governor again turned a blind eye, stating that he could not vote because he accepted political contributions from the directors.

Over the last two years, we have also issued reports on HealthPartners and Medica, both of which reported that the companies were awash in money, were unrestrained in their spending and were unaccountable to their policyholders.

And, we have been active in the last month in opposing Senate File 1955, sponsored by U.S. Senator Michael Enzi of Wyoming. SF 1955, which may come before the full U.S. Senate for a vote as early as next week, would preempt important state oversight of health insurance rates and benefits. ( Click here to read an article about the bill .)

I hope you will take a moment to e-mail Senators Susan Collins (R - ME), Lincoln Chafee (R - RI ), Linda Murkowski (R - AK ), Robert Byrd (D - WV ), Ken Salazar (D - CO), Tom Carper (R - DE ) Mary Landrieu (D - LA), Thad Cochran (R - MS ), Trent Lott (R - MS ), Tom Coburn (R - OK), and James Inhofe (R - OK ), along with Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman to express concern about Senate File 1955. To contact these members, visit the U.S. Senate online at www.senate.gov. On the Senate homepage, click on Senators in the red menu bar and you will be directed to a web page that provides a listing of each Senate member and their contact information including email and phone numbers.

In order to beat Governor Pawlenty in this election, I need your financial help, and I need it now. It will be a long, exhausting campaign. I ask that you consider making an online contribution today so that we can move this state forward on health care and so many other issues.

Very truly yours,
Mike Hatch

P.S. Contributions of up to $100 per couple or $50 per person is fully refundable by the state if you haven't contributed yet this year. Please make an online contribution today and help take this state back. Donate today!

Reform is Producing Results

Dear Friend,

Four years ago, as I was campaigning for governor, the bright light of Minnesota was beginning to fade.

The state was deep in deficit.

Our schools were beginning to slip.

Crime was a growing concern.

One reason I ran for governor was to stop these disturbing trends.

For the last four years we have worked hard to put Minnesota on strong footing.

Will you help keep this good work going? Please click here to contribute.

To turn the state’s budget around, we made tough choices and held the line against tax increases, which gave us the strong economy that was needed to pull us out of the deficit. And that’s exactly what happened – to the tune of a billion dollars in the black.

We implemented new, rigorous education standards to hold our schools accountable for results. We offered school districts the opportunity to adopt a 21st century approach to paying teachers – incentives for results, not just for seniority.

And now, our students’ test scores are on the rise.

We passed the most comprehensive crime bill in a decade. We got tough on meth producers and sex offenders. And now, Minnesota is safer because of it.

In the last four years we have laid a strong foundation for Minnesota's future. The reforms we implemented are producing results.

But we must push on. We must work together to keep Minnesota great for many years to come.

Whether it’s $50, $25 or $10, I need your help and support.

Please click here to contribute.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Tim Pawlenty


P.S. I hope you agree that Minnesota is now on the right track. Please click here to contribute to keep this progress going!

Klobuchar Chronicle: The Momentum Month

Four days of rain are behind us and the grass is green, the tulips are out and I think we're all ready for a spring cleaning in Washington, D.C. Without question, April was a month of growing momentum for our campaign.

Our "Rally for Change" with Illinois Senator Barack Obama was a lot of fun with nearly 2,000 people attending. St. Louis Park Junior High will never be the same. Senator Obama is as generous with his time and good will in person as he is in front of a crowd. Before the rally he had a chat with our family. He told my ten-year-old daughter that she was quite gregarious and asked her if she ever thought of running for office. She looked up at him and said, "Well, people frequently ask me that, but I have to tell you Senator, I've already done it. I got elected to the middle school student council." He told her he didn't want her to move to Illinois because he wanted to keep his seat.

But more on the April momentum: this month we earned many endorsements including the AFL-CIO, Senator Mark Dayton, and many local and state elected officials, including Senator Keith Langseth from northwestern Minnesota. Thanks to your help, we announced a great first quarter fundraising total, raising $1.2 million in the first three months of the year. And you can take full credit -- more than 1/4 of my Republican opponent's money comes from special interest PAC's, while 95% of our money comes from individuals just like you.

Our new headquarters on University Avenue is hopping and while we attend all sorts of Democratic conventions and gatherings, we continue to run an aggressive general election campaign. A few weeks ago we had a great presence at the Ducks, Wetlands and Clean Water Rally at the State Capitol. It was a great event where sportsmen and environmentalists come together to make the case for conservation. I was pleased to receive an honorary duck band to take with me to Washington and next year I hope to be there judging the duck calling contest. Check out the pictures from the event in the "Amy Across Minnesota" section of our website.

And while the polls in this race have been excellent from day one (the latest Wall Street Journal/Zogby poll shows us 8 points up), the real polls are the ones I'm taking at the gas stations across the state where people tell me they are ready to take this country in a new direction towards energy independence. People know we need change in Washington when the retiring CEO of Exxon made $400 million last year, while the price at the pumps is heading up to $3 per gallon. As one customer told me at a station in Mankato last Saturday morning, "I can only get a half-tank now. It costs over $40 to fill up my truck. There must be a better way."

For years people in Washington have been talking about doing something about energy. But while talk is cheap, the price of gas isn't. Many months ago I proposed some short-term and long-term solutions for this crisis: a 20% renewable standard for fuel and electricity, improvements in fuel economy standards, incentives for more hybrid vehicles, leading by example by replacing the federal fleet of cars through attrition, a gas gouging penalty, requiring oil companies to invest in renewable energy research, and a "Manhattan Project" scale effort for energy self-sufficiency.

As the New York Times noted in a front page article last month, energy independence has been a central part of my campaign to put the people in front of the big oil companies. Now I want to go to Washington to do something about it.

We have always believed in science and technology in our state, in new frontiers. Minnesota brought the world everything from post-it notes to pacemakers...and we can now lead our country to a new frontier of energy independence. Through ethanol, biodiesel, wind and solar, through research at our top-notch university and colleges, we can lead. With an optimistic attitude that we can change the course of history, reduce global warming, and bring jobs to Minnesota by investing in the farmers and workers of the Midwest instead of the oil cartels of the Middle East, we can lead. But real leadership means sending people to Washington who will pass laws with teeth and stop coddling the oil companies with special tax breaks and gifts.

Please continue to join us on our journey to bring change to Washington. Help us to make the case for change and a progressive agenda of energy independence, affordable health care, and real international security, including a significant change of course in Iraq.

Here are some ways you can help:

(1) Contribute early and often. We know if we get our message out to the voters, we'll win this November.

(2) Volunteer today. As the weather gets nicer, we'll need more people to join our effort to build the best ground game Minnesota has ever seen.

(3) Please forward this message to everyone you know. It's critical we continue to build our grassroots team to fight back against the special interests who support my opponent.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,
Amy Klobuchar

Appropriations Bill Passes House

Knoblach Passes Appropriations Bill—

Bi-Partisan AND Less Than Half the Spending Called For By Governor and Senate
Targets Sex Offenders
Creates Team to fight Internet child pornography
Includes Veterans Assistance
Pandemic Flu Preparedness Included
Two Major Pro-Life Provisions
Eliminates In-State Tuition For Illegal Aliens

ST. PAUL – Legislation appropriating an $88 million (Less than half the amount asked for by the Governor and the Senate!) state budget increase ($73.7 million—84 percent—to target sex offenders) was approved May 1 by the Minnesota House of Representatives. The deficiency and supplemental appropriations bill (HF4162) includes a $317 million provision to be used for tax relief.

The legislation puts an end to taxpayer funding of abortions in Minnesota; and, improves reporting of abortions that are permitted in Minnesota.

This bill replaces legislation that was to include in-state tuition for illegal aliens. This bill does not fund in-state tuition for illegal aliens.

“This bipartisan bill addresses the changes that have occurred since our last budget was implemented,” said State Rep. Jim Knoblach, author of the resolution. “At less than half the spending increases called for by the Governor and the Senate, This is a responsible bill in a non-budget year.”

The bill deals with deficiencies; emergency situations; future projected deficiencies; and modifications in order to comply with a federal mandate.

“This resolution completes our state’s turnaround,” said Knoblach (R-St. Cloud). “We’ve gone from a $4.5 billion deficit when I took over as Ways and Means Chair to a budget surplus, and I believe it proves you can build a strong economy without tax increases. We have paid back our schools, and have funds left over. If the courts rule the governor’s health impact fee illegal, then we’ll have the money to pay that back too.”

A Message from Mark

Hello Kennedy Supporter,

April was an extremely busy month for both my campaign and family. I celebrated my birthday on April 11th and the next day Debbie and I celebrated our 26th year of marriage. Each year I become more appreciative of Debbie and her devotion to our family, service to the community, and commitment to the people of Minnesota. For those of you who haven’t met Debbie in person yet, I hope you have the opportunity over the next six months. She is incredible!

April 15th is a day we all know, but few look forward to. Did you know that our federal tax code is 7 times longer than the Bible? As a CPA, I can assure you, there is no good news in the federal tax code. We must pass tax simplification. It’s overdue. The tax code has become a full-time employment bill for lobbyists and lawyers who get paid millions to protect each and every loophole. Unfortunately, the President’s tax reform commission came up with a plan that only Washington could love. It wasn’t bold. It just tinkers around the edges of a broken system. We need real reform making the tax code simpler, fairer and pro-jobs.

As summer driving season approaches, I know prices at the pump have been a concern to many. I’ve called for a temporary suspension of the 18.4 cents per gallon federal gas tax from Memorial Day through Labor Day to immediately lower costs at the pump. Dollars to our Highway Trust Fund would be replaced by bringing the past due accounts of deep-water oil companies up to date - holding the Highway Trust Fund harmless without raising taxes. I have also proposed redirecting $2.5 billion in tax incentives for oil companies to double the incentives for ethanol (E85), hybrids and hydrogen vehicles. In the larger energy debate, it is important to remember that we would be much further down the road to energy independence had the Energy bill become law after we first passed it in the House 5 years ago. Unfortunately, Senate Democrats blocked its progress, and because of their obstruction, we became that much more dependent on foreign oil.

I have also heard from many of you concerning illegal immigration. America is a nation of immigrants and we welcome those who come here legally. But, a nation that does not enforce its laws, including immigration law, is inviting abuse of all its laws. Border security is homeland security. I have supported efforts strengthening our borders, opposing amnesty, holding companies that knowingly hire illegal immigrants accountable, and requiring new citizens to pass an American history test in English & pledge undivided allegiance to the American flag. I also supported the REAL ID Act that requires states to obtain proof of legal residence before issuing licenses and listing visa expiration dates on the face of the card.

We also learned that 211,000 jobs were created in March, marking the 31st consecutive month of job growth. Our economy has created over 5 million new jobs in the past 3 years and the national unemployment rate – 4.7% - is lower than the average of the 1960’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Our economy is growing strong, but it’s at risk from higher taxes, wasteful spending, too many lawsuits and excessive regulations. I will make sure we are focused on creating jobs to keep Minnesota the best place to work, live and raise a family!

My campaign continues to gain support and I’d like to ask you personally to keep moving us in the right direction. Please do one of the following to make sure that I will be able to share my message of finding common sense solutions and defending Minnesota values:

1.) Make a Contribution today! Did you know that nearly 60% of contributions in the 1st Quarter were under $25?

2.) Forward this E-mail to 10 friends and ask them to visit my Website to Sign-up for future E-mails.

3.) Volunteer at the campaign. We have volunteers in the campaign everyday and we are always looking for more help!

As I travel around Minnesota, people are excited about sending a CPA, someone who spent 20 years in business, to the U.S. Senate. Thanks for all that you do, see you on the trail ahead!

Mark Kennedy

3 Reasons: Issues, Electability and Vision

Dear Friends,

I ask for your support to be the DFL endorsed candidate for Governor this fall. I believe that elections are about the future—about how, together, we are going to address the issues facing our society. It has been 16 years since there was a Democratic governor and it shows. Our taxes are less fair, our environment less protected, our schools less supported. Worse yet, our health care costs have become even more unmanageable.
For 16 years, Senator Lourey has been a leader at the capital on progressive issues and values. Her record of achievement has won numerous awards.
I want your support for three reasons: (1) Issues,
(2) Electability, and (3) Vision.

Issues
I have spent a lifetime standing strong for the DFL values and issues. I have never backed down from controversial issues or from people who attack our values. This is what we will work on together:

Health Care
I became a health care advocate over 25 years ago when my family lost our health coverage. As a small business owner, I know that affordable health care is critical to our company and its employees. I helped create MinnsotaCare, which currently serves over 100,000 of Minnesota’s families. But this is not enough. Today I am ready to create the most comprehensive, universal health care system in the nation. We must create a health care system that covers everyone, is not dependent on their employment status, and provides comprehensive coverage for their entire family.We cannot afford to wait for the Federal Government to make changes to commerce laws. I have designed a specific plan for how Minnesota can tackle this issue now—and I have made it available to the public via my website.

Peace
As the chief author of Minnesota’s anti-war resolution, I knew that this war was wrong before it started. The troops need to be brought home now. When my son died during his second tour of duty in Iraq, I joined with the Gold Star Mothers for Peace and spoke out all across the nation.
Senator Lourey 's refreshing leadership style achieves real change because she honors the different perspectives and needs of her colleagues.

As your Governor, I will bring the Minnesota Guard home. I expect that this will launch a legal challenge to the Reagan-era legislation which nationalized the Guard. I will use my position of Governor to advance the cause of peace, end the war, and fulfill our State’s commitments to our veterans.

Education
As a mother of twelve, I know that every child is unique. Minnesotans must support our teachers by providing the resources they need to make a difference for every child. Substantial investment in early childhood education is critical. Our state must meet its constitutional obligation to provide every Minnesotan with a quality education. We can only do this by taking responsibility for educational funding—not shifting the costs to already strapped local units of government and individual homeowners. It is essential to the health of Minnesota’s economy that secondary education be made affordable for every student whenever they are ready.

Energy
Rising gasoline costs are hurting our families and straining our economy. A real commitment must be made to bringing sustainable renewable fuel sources to market now. As Governor, I will lead the revitalization of our rural communities through the production of solar, wind, and bio-fuels. Under my leadership, Minnesota’s rural and urban communities will work together to lead the nation in a comprehensive approach to the energy crisis by integrating education, technology, policy, tax incentives, and direct economic investment.

Environment
Sound environmental policy must ensure that our great-grandchildren can safely enjoy a green, healthy Minnesota. We must protect open spaces, restore water quality, and improve our air quality by dedicating funding for natural resources. As Governor, I will give Minnesota’s sustainability initiatives the teeth needed to make this state the national leader it can and should be.
Senator Lourey provides the sharp contrast in tone, issues and life story that Democrats need to defeat incumbent Pawlenty in November.

Electability
I know how to defeat an incumbent. I defeated an 18-year incumbent in a conservative district for my seat in the House; I defeated a 26-year incumbent in that same conservative district for my seat in the Senate. I know what it takes—and I have what it takes.

Democrats win when we endorse candidates who have conviction. We beat incumbents when we offer a real choice in leadership style and tone. We win when we endorse candidates with character and real life experiences that connect with other people's lives. We win with candidates that voters can trust.

I will win by inspiring and motivating people across this state to make the change they want to make. I will win because Minnesotans have been waiting long enough for the future we deserve.

Vision
I believe that we, as Minnesotans, embrace a common vision for our state in which every family has the opportunity to live in a safe neighborhood and every individual has access to a living wage job, quality education, and affordable health care. We have seen this vision for our future. Good intentions and powerful words are not enough to get us there. Minnesota has waited long enough for a leader with the courage, passion, strength and experience to make this vision real.

With me as your Governor, this is what our future will look like: Quality affordable health care for every Minnesotan by 2010. Energy independence in our state by 2030. Community and economic revitalization in urban and rural Minnesota. Fiscal responsibility. Real opportunity.

This is the future I will lead us into—where Minnesota is the very best place in the nation to be a child.
Senator Lourey is a tireless campaigner who has compiled a diverse, grassroots campaign team with more experience than any other candidate. She is committed to leading a victory for the entire DFL ticket.

Join Us.
Join me and the 300 delegates who have already committed to supporting me this June. Join the 800 volunteers who are working in their local communities because they are sick of waiting. Join the more than 2,000 donors that have given this campaign the necessary momentum to connect with voters throughout the state.

Join me now by telling me how I can earn your increased support and lead our state into a better future.

Thank you,

Becky Lourey

Prominent 6th District Conservative

Today, one of the most important Conservative bloggers in the state, who happens to be a leader among 6th Congressional District Republicans, endorsed Representative Krinkie for the Republican nomination for Congress.

Andy Aplikoski, from Residual Forces, writes in part:

"I am supporting Phil Krinkie for the Republican endorsement in the 6th District. I do not mean any ill will to the other candidates, but I believe Krinkie is the best candidate of the four. He is the true fiscal conservative of this race. . .

He was the same guy he has been all 16 years he's been in the House. He didn't need to change his voting style for this race, it was already the envy of the others running which was clear to me by how they were trying to steal it from him. . .

He IS the fiscal conservative in the MN House, a record few even wanted before this race. He is opposed to Northstar and other boondoggle trains. He has voted more consistently against the expansion of Government and increased spending than almost any other Legislator. He is not afraid to look a Governor or fellow Republican in the eye and say that they are dead wrong on supporting taxpayer funding for stadiums with out their approval. . . .

I feel Krinkie is the best one to represent me in Congress, plus I feel he is the best one to keep Mark Kennedy's seat in the red column. His record is unquestionable as a Conservative Republican, and no matter who the Democrats select, he has an advantage."

Here's a little of what he said about Jim Knoblach:

"A true fiscal Conservative he is not. Sure this year has been good, but his lifetime Taxpayer's League lifetime rating cannot be overlooked he's got a 73 lifetime rating."

Here's a little of what he said about Michele Bachmann:

"The Democrats and the media would have a field day demonizing all Republicans by destroying Bachmann. It would be their only purpose of the year. Tear Bachmann limb from limb, and so go the Republicans statewide."

Representative Krinkie is honored to have Andy's endorsement.